Unhealthy food availability, prominence and promotion in a representative sample of supermarkets in Flanders (Belgium): a detailed assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The supermarket food environment is a key setting for potential public health interventions. This study assessed food availability, prominence and promotion in a representative sample of supermarkets in Flanders (Belgium).

Methods

A sample of 55 supermarkets across five chains and 16 Flemish municipalities was selected in 2022, about 64% in the most deprived socioeconomic areas. Healthiness indicators related to food availability (ratio of cumulative linear shelf length for healthy versus unhealthy foods), prominence (proportion of unhealthy foods at check-outs and end-of-aisle endcaps), and promotion (food marketing on food packages) were measured.

Results

Overall, the average ratio of healthy/unhealthy foods in supermarkets in Flanders was 0.36, meaning

SUBMITTER: Vandevijvere S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10463948 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature